StudyLTCovid.com

• An Introduction to the "Minimalist" Approach: That's done, see above on this same page or this link if you missed it.
• The intervention with light is best carried out using a stand which is light in weight (good for shipping or carrying around) but sturdy and stable (good to keep the thing off the floor). So that's done too. Missed it? Here's a link to light construction materials.

New Topic #1: "Where do I shine this thing ?"

Actually not a new topic (see other articles or work through the Everything Index) but let me explain a bit more.

In the other protocols (i.e., Full 31 days and 'Quick Impressions') already presented here at StudyLTCovid.com participants are randomized to apply the intervention to "Head Only," or "Head & Back." Quicky summarized: Does the region exposed make a difference in a participant's outcome ? Does the total surface area exposed make a difference in the participant's outcome ?

So for those joining the Approach #3 "Minimalist" protocol, I could do the same thing. I could use a randomization list and let someone giving me a hand, contact the participant to inform which area is "theirs" during the 10 days of intervention. I'm not told by my "helpers" about that choice, and the participant doesn't tell me until its all over. Sounds very "Scientific Method" because it is.

But wait. The above introduction to the "Minimalist" protocol informs that that too will be left up to the participant to choose.

So in keeping with that promise or method: Each participant can decide. "Head only" takes 10 min/ day; "Head & Back" takes 20 min/ day, unless done simultaneously with two lamps. So the choice is hers/ his based on components like time limits, possible beliefs that "more is better," and probably others. Perhaps just a subjective feeling about it.

And of course, HOW to apply the light to either or both of these areas needs a few words as well.

The "Head Only" intervention.

Initially in this study, a participant simply helf the device in hand, and moved it around her/ his head. Always of course keeping close (or "nearby") contact between head and lamp using the 1.25 cm "bump" in the center of the lamp as a reminder. Again, no heat, no burns, etc.

This "How To Do This" is completely covered on the Interventions page.

Have a look. You might prefer this.

Here's what we discovered so far:

PROs:

• The lamp and its holder are all you need (in addition to you). 
• The path to move the light around one's head is clearly shown at the same link for Interventions.
• For the back, clipping the light's holder to a chair back with its attached clip, usually seemed to work.

CONs:

• Consistent with their having "long-term" COVID-19 (LTC), the participants developed "tired arms syndrome" (TAS) or if that's too fancy, just got pooped out moving the thing around the head.
• How well a given subject may carry out the path around the head and distance from the scalp might of course vary. (When the person is in front of me, I provide polite, discrete little reminders. But when they're at home ? Who's to know ?

Response to TAS and all the rest ? 

Well that's the lamp stand as described above or at this link.

Stability, (I refer to it as the Stability Stand), and no tired arms. Movements in front of the lamp become easier and more consistent. 

Here it is again, in case somehow you missed it elsewhere.

No matter how one holds the thing . . .

The important things are:

• Stay close to the lamp. Bumping into the little "bump" in the center of the lamp is a nice and painless reminder, now and then. But no need to keep one's forehead glued to the "bump."
• Do a little slow, left to right motion during the 10 minutes of intervention.
  • To do this for the head, simply face the thing at forehead level, and comfortably go left to right for at least 5 of the 10 minutes.
  • For the back, same principles. If using a chair, place a 'slippery/ slidey' piece of cloth (a towel or lining material if you have some, like silk for a suit) under your hips. That facilitates that "left-to-right" action in front of the lamp. This, whether it's clipped to a chair back, or mounted on the 'Stability Stand'. Your target is at a level about half way between top of hips and bottom of ribs when felt out laterally. Questions ? Ask !

I think the best way to get a feel for this is to watch:

Me doing this with my 3-Lamp Stand device that I use for other protocols than this one ...

That same page also has a video that explains this method in French, should the need arise.

Yes, there will be more explanation for those doing Approach 3 - the "Minimalist" Protocol. 

Article(s) to follow.

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